Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics.This week’s Tuesday Topic: What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
I think it’s safe to say that 2020 was a wild year. Although the year had a lot of sadness and twists and turns, it was also a good time to learn more about yourself. With so much time indoors, it was easier to focus in on the things that gave you joy. Here are a few things I learned about myself last year.
I am an introvert with some extrovert qualities
I can see where this would be interpreted as an oxymoron, so let me explain. By nature, I’ve always considered myself to be an introvert. I don’t mind being at home and I enjoy alone time. I’m not comfortable when meeting people for the first time (but once I warm up to you, I’m fine!). I dislike social events like huge parties and I hate crowds. The first few months of the pandemic weren’t that hard for me, but during the summer I started to miss interacting with people. This is why I was super thankful for Zoom gatherings with my friends, co-workers and all of the blogging ladies. I noticed that I actually am social, it just has to be in the eight setting.
I don’t miss long distance running
Remember how I had that goal to run a half marathon in 25 different states? Yeah…I’m not so sure about that one anymore. Even when it’s safe to do so, as a black female I no longer feel comfortable traveling to certain parts of the country. Besides that, I’m not missing long runs at all. I knew that I was done with marathons, but I’m not wondering if I’m done with half marathons as well. I ran a virtual half marathon last Fall and it was miserable. Why put myself through that if I don’t have to? During the pandemic I really focused on HIIT workouts and strength training. I was still running, but for shorter bursts of time. With running, we always go through high and lows, so I may feel different about this in a few months, but it’s just how I’m feeling right now.
I can be super judgmental
I am getting better about this now, but for months I found myself being very judgmental when people would posts photos of themselves eating in a crowded restaurant or just doing anything without social distancing or wearing masks. I really hated feeling this way because it would make me so angry and that’s an emotion I really try to avoid because it can get toxic quickly. At this point it makes no sense to judge people and their actions because people are just going to do whatever they want. All I can do is try to keep myself and my family safe by doing what I think is right. Hopefully the vaccine rollout will go well in the next coming months so that we can eventually put Covid behind us.
Tell me: What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?
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Topic for next week – Your six favorite of 2020! Feel free to write about this or any running related topic. We hope you’ll link up with us!
Catrina says
Oh, I can be super judgmental too! What sets me off is when I see people not wearing their mask properly. You are absolutely right, it makes no sense to get upset, people will be people.
My strategy is to focus on all the people who are wearing the mask correctly (the majority, fortunately) and to be happy about them.
I love the new design of your blog! Very clean and stylish.
kookyrunner says
Thanks! I figured it was time for a blog update – it has been years since I’ve done one, lol
It also drives me crazy when people wear their mask below their nose. I always want to say “That’s not how it works”.
Wendy says
I’m still pretty judgmental too when it comes to people’s behavior and the pandemic. Just yesterday, I was chatting with the cashier at Whole Foods about the vaccine and she told me she wasn’t going to get it. “I’m healthy”. she said. Um… I deal with this every day in my job and it’s really tough to fight pseudoscience. I wish people understood that the only way out of this mess is to prevent the spread. Ok, I’ll stop now…
kookyrunner says
My parents are both 70 and my dad said he’ll get the vaccine but my mom is hesitant because she suffers from a lot of allergies. I understand her point of view because I suffer from a lot of allergies too, but I also want to protect her so I want her to get the vaccine. I will keep trying to talk her into signing up to get it when it’s available to her.
Kimberly Hatting says
The pandemic really opened my eyes to a lot of hate and hostility. And, like you said, I found myself being judgemental as well. But, I also saw a lot of love and compassion being served, and that brightened my days. I also was reminded that we all have brought our own life experiences with us…not just to the pandemic, but to our daily existence. Someone’s “baggage” may affect how they react/respond to what’s happening, so I try to respect that. It definitely has not been an easy endeavor LOL
kookyrunner says
That’s a good way to look at it. For a long time i was just so annoyed at people not taking it seriously and spreading the virus but i realized that all that festering anger really isn’t good.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I think we can all be judgmental. And even when we’re not, actions can speak louder than words. The problem with the people who aren’t interested in or think it’s not necessary to social distance, wear a mask, etc. — they’re putting people in danger. It may not effect you directly, but it can indirectly.
That said, you also have to let it go, because anger only hurts you. Not always easy though!
I am very definitely an introvert. Obviously I didn’t join my running friends at all during this entire time — they still got together, but I just wasn’t comfortable with it and I know not all of them understood — especially since they are all, knock on wood, healthy. But in the end, I have to do what I know my heart to be right thing for me.
Oddly enough I don’t mind crowds, but when it comes to social occasions, I really prefer small gatherings. Otherwise I have to be “on”, and it’s tiring.
kookyrunner says
Oh yeah, totally agree that there is no excuse for not wearing a mask – that should be standard – and it’s super annoying that people still don’t think that way. It’s amazing how upset people get over wearing a piece of cloth.
Darlene S Cardillo says
I hear you.
I am an introvert. You won’t find me making and posting videos of myself talking or teaching. LOL But as you said, I missed my friends. I missed racing!
I do love our virtual meetups and how creative people are getting with their outdoor gathering.
And yes, definitely judgmental. I turned down so many invitations from friends gathering inside. I saw one on FB at a restaurant. Unfortunately, all 3 got COVID (not then) but you know what I thought…
Contrary to what Judy believes, we don’t judge those who choose not to participate in our runs and brunches. Her name doesn’t even come up. We know everyone feels differently about the pandemic. Too bad, only I know how she feels because I read her blog. Her friends do not.
kookyrunner says
Haha same here. I’ll watch funny videos on TikTok but you’ll never see me make one. I turned down a lot of run and lunch outings and I’ve been told that I was overreacting, but it’s fine because I did what was best for me and my family so I have no regrets. I also know I can go back to doing those things once I get the vaccine so I can be patient and wait.
Denise says
I get to tell people all the time to wear their mask or to wear it properly at work (in the ER) but outside of work I have to hold my tongue and sometimes it’s hard.
I’m sorry that you feel unsafe to travel to certain parts of the country..
kookyrunner says
Thank you for all of your hard work in the ER. I know it cannot be easy but just know that we all appreciate your efforts!
Shathiso says
Your first point is me to a tee. I’m introverted and love my me-time. I also get nervous before events that will have many people (especially new people) or a lot of interaction – but I always come out enjoying it. So I think although I’m most comfortable being alone, I also like socialising now and again. Sorry to hear you’re not feeling the 25 State Goal anymore (as I personally love the Half distance, LOL) — but at the same time, I think over time, we also discover what we like doing and what we don’t and it’s important to do things that keep us coming back for more. And I’ve seen how much you’ve loved doing the workouts you do now. Also sorry to hear that you’re no longer comfortable travelling to some parts of the country. That’s just awful to feel like that way in your own country. My sister in law and kids live in the US and I’ve never ever feared for their safety until recently, especially my nephew. 🙁
kookyrunner says
You’re so right that what we like definitely changes over time. Eventually I’ll probably get back to longer distance but right now the 5K and 10K distances are most appealing to me.
Yeah the US just has A LOT going on right now and I don’t see it dying down anytime soon so when I do feel safe enough to travel it will most likely be to states that lean more toward the democrat/liberal side. I hate that I feel that way but i have to be honest with myself.
Jessie says
This is a great post Kim! I totally have been so judgmental; I worry that some relationships will never recover from this as our feelings on science and following the rules were so vastly different.
I am also an introvert- I think a lot of bloggers are! We can interact on our own terms.
kookyrunner says
I agree – I always ended a friendship with someone earlier this year. We weren’t super close, but still. I just couldn’t take anymore of her idiot talk about the virus being fake.
Jenn says
Oh, I am back to straight up introvert. Give me some books and my pups, and I am good to go. I would have been just fine on Tom Hanks’ island in Castaway.
I do get judgmental about certain things, but I also think my neutrality kicked in. There are just so many layers to everything going on right now. Yes, there are some selfish, awful, LOUD a-holes, but there are also a lot of people who are just trying to do the best they can to survive in so many ways. I try very hard to give grace when I can.
kookyrunner says
Yup totally agree. I know that once its safe to do everything in the “outside world” i most likely won’t lol.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
This is a great post topic! Through the pandemic I realized how strong of an extrovert I really am…the struggle is real, lol! Oh and the judging…I’m so bad about that. It feels like people are flaunting that they aren’t social distancing or wearing masks. I know a picture doesn’t tell the whole story so I am trying to keep that in mind! It’s a shame that now it feels scary to visit certain states to run, ugh…
kookyrunner says
Yup, definitely agree. Not social distancing or wearing masks and then posting it on social media for the world to see is what was really bothering me. It just screams “I don’t care about anyone”
San says
Oh, I am judgmental too. I don’t usually think of myself of a judgmental person, but if someone’s behavior affects other people (as it does in this pandemic!), I really do resent people who cannot follow the rules or believe that they don’t apply to them.
kookyrunner says
Totally agree, also because it’s such a simple task and people still have to complain about doing it. Wearing a mask really isn’t that hard!
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie says
100% with being judgemental. I mean, I move on with life, but it drives me nuts when I see a nose poking out of a mask and I’ve gotten very comfortable with clicking unfriend on FB. The best parts of the pandemic for me have been all the time at home with my family, though I can’t wait for warmer weather so that we can hang out with friends again. I love WFH, and I love that what used to be my communting time is now “me” time.
kookyrunner says
That’s exactly how I feel! I really do wish that I could just let it go easily but it irks me. Overall I don’t mind WFH but I do miss interacting with others in the office. I get burnout with so many video calls!
Zenaida Arroyo says
A social introvert! I like social events as well but a group of more than 6 people makes me nervous. So weird. But I have no problem getting together with family with more than 6 people. I am also judgmental. Nothing wrong with it because it shows you care and are concerned. 🙂
kookyrunner says
That’s kind of how I feel too. When the group of people gets too large, I tend to back away and want to leave, lol.
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
No doubt this past year brought out some strong feelings – I definitely got pretty judgemental. It was hard to watch people just blow off wearing masks or social distancing. I learned a lot about some people this year…hard things you can’t just unlearn if you know what I mean.
kookyrunner says
Exactly! I just feel like where is the empathy and compassion for others? Shouldn’t we all want to do our part to stop the spread? This pandemic has shown me how selfish people can be which has been sad to see.
Deborah Brooks says
I learned a lot about myself and others this past year. I learned what is really important to me and what is not so important. In terms of running, it gave me a sense of consistency and normalcy when the world seemed so out of control
kookyrunner says
Totally agree! My perspective on certain things has changed, especially when it comes to setting goals.
Coco says
This is such a great topic! Do you think your feeling about longer runs will change when you can run with friends again? Long solo runs are tough, but the miles can tick by if you can be chatting with someone else.
Marcia says
I am an introvert as well but after awhile I did miss the social interaction. I loved having the family home. I can’t even imagine me in an empty house anymore. I tried to make the most of a bad situation by taking time to nail down my health situation and autoimmune issues. There was also that YouTube channel, that still drives me nuts. Haha!
kookyrunner says
I love your YouTube channel! That’s definitely one positive that came from lockdown.
Anne says
Isn’t it interesting what we learn about ourselves when things change rapidly, dramatically, and without any warning? Your insights into your personality and introversion/extraversion tendencies are really interesting!
And I echo others in saying that it’s horrible that you don’t feel safe in certain areas of the country. That sucks, plain and simple. But it’s not surprising… and I hate that it’s not.
kookyrunner says
It’s so interesting! Things that I thought were super important to me really ended up not being that important.
I also hate that I don’t feel safe traveling to certain parts of the country now but I do have hope that it will change for the better eventually.